Atlantis or a Cruise?
 

So we want to do a small vacation this summer. We have two kids in the 5-10 age range and we were thinking of either doing a four day cruise or about four days at the Atlantis resort. Why the latter? Well, we were sucker-punched by the Mary-Kate and Ashley video at the Atlantis resort years ago.. "can we go, please, please, please." And it looks good, but is it really kid friendly?

Atlantis means that our costs not as bound as the cruise would be, so I don't know what an actual day there will cost with all the extras.. the chance of seeing some marine life sounds good if they have good aquariums. On the cruise's plus side: it is all self contained, my wife and I have done cruises before and we know what to expect. For the kids, I suppose the main attraction would be being on a ship and the pool.

Thoughts? Anyone been to Atlantis?

I visited Atlantis for the day when I was working in the Caribbean - it was fantastic. I have only heard wonderful things about the property.

The kids program is phenomenal - HOWEVER - it is very expensive. For two kids - you may get better bang for your buck with a cruise ship - as the programs are included and extra hours are very reasonable - as on, $5/hr for Late Night which lasts until 1 or 2am.

You can always visit the aquarium if you pick a cruise with that itin...maybe best of both worlds?

we did that--stopped by when our ship landed. it looked very nice, won a little in the casino, but the deli lunch at the property was pricey. maybe there are good deals during the summer?

kids, granny and mom were on a cruise last decemeber and all the kids loved it. ages 5-12.

have a great time whatever you do!

Being at Atlantis a couple of times, I would have to agree with this. Atlantis is probably better for kids (more to do, likely more kids, can go other places like the market in Nassau), but will definately be more $$$. Food is not cheap at Atlantis.
Cruise ship would likely be easier and less expensive. You may want to check into the Disney cruises as a more kid friendly cruise. They have a private island that they go to.
Not sure if it is an option anymore, but you used to be able to stay across the street from Atlantis at the Comfort Suites for less money and still use the Atlantis facilities.

Well, another comment to sort of modify my original query: my wife and I aren't ones to leave the kids in programs with strangers, so we're looking for things that will be fun for both us and the kids.

Thought about the Disney cruise, but didn't know if it would fail on those grounds. Aside from that we'd like to do an Alaska cruise with the kids in a year or so and we figured that Mickey would set unrealistically high expectations for cruises in the future.

Does Atlantis have decent things for kids+adults?

I would think more than a cruise would, but not having been on a cruise in quite a while, I cannot say that for sure.
But yes, there is lots to do. The aquarium, if you can call it that, is amazing. You can spend hours and multiple visits there. Feeding time is entertaining. The pools and attached slides are fun for all ages, especially the one going through the shark tank.
There are lots of beach activities. Strolling through the marina viewing the yachts is nice. The water taxi ride over to Nassau is an adventure. The market is interesting. If I remember correctly, there are scheduled activities that both adults and children can participate. If not, adults can at least watch.
If you were staying a week, you would get bored I would think, but four days is a good timeframe.

Atlantis has a very nice web site: www.atlantis.com

I've done both, the Atlantis and a cruise, and my suggestion for you would be the Atlantis.

At the ages your children are at now, the Atlantis will charge them as children. Once they hit 12, you will be charged an additional $45 per child per night for accomodations, and an additional $29 per day for the MAP or $42 per day for the Gourmet dining package. The dining packages are a MUST at the Atlantis, and must be taken by all members of your party. These prices are before taxes and gratuity and will really add up fast. If you really want to go there, I would do it now, before the kids fall into that 12 and above range.

The cruise will charge your children less as 3rd and 4th persons in your cabin, regardless of their age, even up to 18.

If you have a 5th person with you (either another child or a grandparent/nanny/friend) you will have to get 2 rooms at the Atlantis. Good to know in case you are thinking of adding to your family ;)

For these reasons, unless cost is absolutely NOT a factor for you, I would go with the Atlantis this summer, and do a cruise for your next vacation.

I see that you were looking at a shorter Disney cruise, which is good, because Disney is NOT doing the 7 day cruise from the Florida port this summer, having moved that boat to California for Mexico cruises.

Honestly, I would say that the 7 day Disney cruise is a much better value all around than the 3 or 4 day Disney cruise, and you will be able to do 7 days again from Port Canaveral next year.

I don't think you'll be disappointed either way....a cruise is an excellent value with children, and the Atlantis property is beautiful and has tons of activities for the kids. Expensive, yes, but it will be a memorable trip.

Sigh. Looks like Atlantis is the better choice for us. I don't mind spending a bit more but I hate the idea of going there without any insight in to how much the extras will be. I don't see much guidance on the website either. I'm hoping the extras aren't designed to be a surprise, a captive audience "gotcha." Will attempt to get more information, assuming some is available.

Then don't make your decision yet. Get all the information you need first before making a commitment. It's your vacation too....do what YOU want to do; not what you are resigned to do.

I just looked through all the brochures and papers I had in my file from visiting Atlantis a few years ago, and couldn't find anything that would help you with prices for any activities or extras :(

I would make a call to Atlantis and ask for the Concierge Desk and get a definitive answer as to what you will be charged extra for, and how much.

I think you can probably go there and partake in all the included activities (beach, pools, etc) and be perfectly satisfied, but I think it's worth a call to see if you will be charged extra for The Dig, the slides, etc.

This place is known to break the bank.

Maybe one way to save a few bucks....TravelZoo just came out with a deal for rooms at Atlantis for the month of May for $199..... an excellent deal.

www.travelzoo.com

Have fun.